Office of the Provincial

25 October 2004

Members of the Province of the United States

My Dear Brothers,

Greetings and blessings to you. It is my privilege to convoke the seventh session of the Provincial Chapter which will be held March 4 - 8, 2005, in Eureka, Missouri.

I am announcing the convocation of the Provincial Chapter early, in order to allow for some new processes for Chapter preparation and involvement.

Propositions for the Seventh Session of the Provincial Chapter are due to the Office of the Assistant Provincial by December 15, 2004. Father Fitz, as chair of the Preparatory Commission, will distribute all propositions to the communities for dialogue and input before the Chapter meeting. Likewise, materials to be discussed at the March 2005 Chapter will be distributed, as much as possible, to the communities beforehand for your conversation and input to attending Chapter members.

Among others, two critical issues for the Province community will be discussed at the March Chapter: the structure of the Provincial Chapter between 2005-2007, the end of this provincial administration, and beyond; and, a review the two-year experimental assessment policy and present financial policies of the Province.

It is our hope to engender more local and regional participation in both the pre and post-Chapter processes.

Wishing you every blessings,

Affectionately,

Stephen Glodek, S.M.
Provincial

SG/pts